John Stones believes Jack Grealish will have no difficulties fitting in at Manchester City, and feels the British record signing can excite supporters next season, via the Citizens’ website.
Stones has reflected on Grealish’s £100m move from Aston Villa after signing a new five-year contract with Manchester City. The defender was in the final year of a £100,000-a-week deal, but has more than doubled his wage to £250,000-per-week, per The Athletic.
Grealish also earns in excess of £200k-p/w at the Etihad Stadium on a contract running to 2027, The Guardian report. He joined from the Birmingham outfit after scoring six goals and 12 assists in 26 Premier League appearances last season.
Stones expects Grealish will have no difficulties replicating his Aston Villa performances for Manchester City. The defender has lauded his compatriot for the way Grealish tackles the game, and for his ability to get supporters up off their seats when on the ball.
“He’s an incredible footballer,” Stones said. “A raw talent. I think you can see he’s fearless in how he plays and very direct. We only saw a little bit of him in the Euros. But when he came on, everyone was excited to see him, and he gave some vital assists at key moments.
“He is a big game player. An incredible person, as well. He is coming into one of the best dressing rooms in the world, non-football wise, with the characters we have here, and he will fit in straight away. I am sure he will be looking forward to more success here and hopefully winning some silverware.”
Grealish only needs a chance to fulfil Stones’ Manchester City expectations
Manchester City fans got a first look at Grealish when he made his debut from the bench during the Community Shield. The weight of a £100m transfer was clearly no problem for the 25-year-old as he put Stones’ words into action when on the ball.
Grealish was unable to fashion a goal or assist, but showed in his brief outings at Euro 2020 he can. The Villans product thrived from the off against Germany, after entering the action from the bench. He had a key role in the lead to Luke Shaw’s goal and assisted Harry Kane.
Grealish again raised England’s tempo after coming off the bench against Denmark and forced Kasper Schmeichel into action. Stones had a first-row seat to Grealish’s displays, and is clearly hoping for more at Manchester City.
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